Picture this: you’re flipping burgers on a hot grill, or carefully moving delicate pasta from boiling water. What’s the one tool that makes these kitchen tasks a breeze? Tongs, of course! But with so many kinds of tongs out there, how do you pick the perfect pair? It can feel like a culinary quest, and nobody wants to waste money on tongs that don’t work well.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen comes in. They’re like the friendly experts who test everything in the kitchen so you don’t have to. They’ve put different tongs through their paces to find the ones that are truly the best. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of tongs available, or wondered which ones will actually last and perform, you’re in the right place.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great pair of tongs. We’ll uncover the secrets behind America’s Test Kitchen’s top picks. Get ready to say goodbye to flimsy, awkward tongs and hello to cooking with confidence!
Our Top 5 Tongs America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tongs America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. 2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet your new kitchen best friends: the 2 Pack Black Kitchen Tongs! This set includes a 9-inch and a 12-inch tong, perfect for all your cooking and grilling needs. They’re made with tough stainless steel and safe silicone, so you can handle hot food without worry. These tongs will make flipping burgers, grabbing salads, and serving food a breeze.
What We Like:
- These tongs can handle serious heat, up to 500 degrees F.
- The silicone tips are non-stick, so food won’t cling.
- They resist rust and won’t soak up smells.
- The silicone is BPA-free, making them safe for your family.
- They’re built strong with 304 stainless steel.
- A handy locking clip keeps them shut for easy storage.
- The non-slip surface gives you a great grip on your food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The locking clip might be a little stiff for some users at first.
- While durable, the silicone tips could potentially be scratched by very sharp utensils if not careful.
This set of tongs is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. They are reliable, safe, and make cooking much easier.
2. Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner’s Manual: Boost Your Equipment IQ with 500+ Expert Tips
Rating: 9.4/10
Are you tired of your kitchen tools not working their best? Do you wish you knew more about your cooking gadgets? “Kitchen Gear: The Ultimate Owner’s Manual” is here to help! This book is packed with over 500 expert tips. It will make you a kitchen pro. You’ll learn how to use your equipment better. It also suggests over 400 tools that are highly recommended. Imagine a kitchen that runs smoothly! This guide helps you create that perfect cooking space.
What We Like:
- Provides over 500 expert tips to improve your cooking skills.
- Recommends more than 400 useful kitchen tools.
- Helps you understand and use your kitchen equipment better.
- Makes organizing your kitchen easier.
- Written in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- The title is quite long and could be more catchy.
- No specific examples of tool brands are given, which some readers might want.
This owner’s manual is a fantastic resource for anyone who loves to cook. It will truly boost your kitchen confidence.
3. GORILLA GRIP Stainless Steel Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs for Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet your new kitchen best friends: the GORILLA GRIP Stainless Steel Heat Resistant Kitchen Tongs! This set of two tongs, in a sleek black finish, is designed to make cooking, grilling, and serving a breeze. Whether you’re flipping burgers on the BBQ, tossing a fresh salad, or grabbing food from your air fryer, these tongs have got you covered.
What We Like:
- The silicone scalloped edges give a super strong and precise grip. They grab everything from tiny cherries to big steaks with ease.
- The silicone tips are gentle on your pots and pans. They won’t scratch your nonstick surfaces.
- These tongs are heat resistant up to 484 degrees Fahrenheit, so they’re safe for almost any cooking job.
- The non-slip silicone handles feel great in your hand. They also have a comfy thumb rest to help you hold them longer.
- Made from sturdy stainless steel, these tongs are built to last. They resist rust and can handle heavy foods like burgers.
- The easy pull lock makes them compact for storage. They fit nicely in drawers or can be hung up.
- They are dishwasher safe, which means cleaning up is simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the silicone tips are great, some users might prefer tongs with a metal grip for extra heavy-duty tasks.
- The color options are limited to black, which might not match everyone’s kitchen decor.
These GORILLA GRIP tongs are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. They offer a great balance of strength, safety, and convenience for all your cooking needs.
4. Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs Set of 2 – 9″ and 12″
Rating: 9.0/10
The Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs Set of 2 offers a versatile solution for all your cooking needs, from delicate salads to juicy steaks on the grill. This set includes both a handy 9-inch tong for everyday tasks and a larger 12-inch tong perfect for reaching across the BBQ. They are designed to make your time in the kitchen safer and more efficient.
What We Like:
- Made from strong, food-grade stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode.
- Includes two sizes (9″ and 12″) for different cooking jobs.
- Easy to lock and unlock with a simple pull ring, making storage a breeze.
- Silicone-cushioned handles provide a comfortable and secure grip.
- The handle design helps protect your hands from getting cut.
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- They are lightweight and easy to handle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The silicone grip might wear down over a very long time with heavy use.
This set of Hotec tongs is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering durability and user-friendly features. They are a reliable choice for anyone who enjoys cooking and grilling.
5. Tifanso Kitchen Tongs for Cooking – 2PCS 12″ Stainless Steel Cooking Tongs Tweezers
Rating: 9.5/10
The Tifanso Kitchen Tongs for Cooking offer a versatile solution for a variety of tasks in the kitchen and beyond. These 12-inch stainless steel tongs are designed for precision and durability, making them a valuable addition to any home cook’s toolkit.
What We Like:
- Constructed from premium stainless steel, these tongs resist rust and heat, ensuring they last a long time without deforming or breaking.
- The unique fluted grip provides a secure hold, and the serrated tips allow for precise gripping of food, preventing slips.
- They are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher and feature a hanging hole for convenient storage, saving valuable drawer space.
- The package includes two types of 12-inch black tongs: one with rounded tips for gentle handling and secure holding, and another with pointed tips for delicate dishes and precise work.
- Their applications go beyond the kitchen, making them useful for gardening, aquarium feeding, crafting, and even electrical repairs.
- These tongs are a safe and effective alternative to forks for flipping and lifting various foods, keeping you away from hot oil.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the serrated tips are great for grip, they might be too sharp for very delicate items if not used with care.
- The “two different head designs” might be slightly confusing for some users to immediately distinguish their primary purpose without prior experience.
Overall, these Tifanso kitchen tongs are a practical and well-designed set that offers great value and broad utility for various needs.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Tongs America’s Test Kitchen Approved!
Are you tired of flimsy tongs that bend when you grab a hot chicken? Or maybe your current tongs make it hard to flip delicate fish without it falling apart? If so, it’s time to upgrade to a pair of tongs that America’s Test Kitchen trusts. These aren’t just any kitchen tongs; they’re designed for serious cooking and make your time in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable.
Key Features to Look For
1. Sturdy Construction
Good tongs feel solid in your hand. They don’t wiggle or bend easily. Look for tongs with thick metal that feels substantial. This means they can handle heavy foods like roasts or big bunches of vegetables without buckling.
2. Comfortable Grip
You’ll be holding these tongs for a while, so a comfortable grip is a must. Some tongs have silicone handles that are soft and non-slip. Others have textured metal handles that give you a good hold. Either way, try to find tongs that feel good in your hand and won’t slip, even when they get a little greasy.
3. Locking Mechanism
A locking mechanism keeps your tongs closed when you store them. This saves space in your kitchen drawers. Most locks are simple rings that slide up or down. Make sure the lock is easy to use, even with one hand.
4. Versatile Size and Shape
Tongs come in different lengths and head shapes. Longer tongs keep your hands further from the heat, which is great for grilling. Shorter tongs are better for tasks in smaller pans. The head shape matters too. Some have flat ends for grabbing, while others have angled ends for better grip.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel
This is the king of tong materials. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and won’t rust. It’s also easy to clean. High-quality stainless steel is what you want for tongs that will last a long time.
Silicone Tips
Some tongs have silicone tips. These are fantastic because they protect your non-stick pans from scratches. Silicone also provides a great grip on slippery foods like fish or delicate pastries.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Great:
- Thick, high-grade stainless steel
- Well-made rivets that hold the parts together firmly
- A smooth, easy-to-use locking mechanism
- Ergonomic handles that are comfortable to hold
- Precise and strong gripping ends
What Makes Them Less Great:
- Thin, flimsy metal that bends easily
- Loose or wobbly parts
- A lock that gets stuck or is hard to operate
- Handles that are slippery or uncomfortable
- Gaps in the gripping ends that let food slip through
User Experience and Use Cases
America’s Test Kitchen tongs are designed to make cooking easier. Imagine flipping burgers on the grill without them falling apart. Or serving salad with perfect-sized portions. These tongs handle it all. They are perfect for:
- Grilling and barbecuing
- Flipping meats and vegetables
- Serving salads and side dishes
- Transferring food from pans to plates
- Tossing ingredients in a hot pan
The sturdy build means you can trust them with any task. The comfortable grip makes them a pleasure to use, even for long cooking sessions. They truly are a valuable tool for any kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes America’s Test Kitchen tongs special?
A: They are tested thoroughly to ensure they are strong, comfortable to use, and effective for many cooking tasks. They are built to last.
Q: Are they dishwasher safe?
A: Most high-quality stainless steel tongs are dishwasher safe. Always check the product’s instructions to be sure.
Q: Can I use these tongs on non-stick pans?
A: If the tongs have silicone tips, yes! They won’t scratch your non-stick surfaces. If they are all metal, be gentle.
Q: How do I clean them if they get really dirty?
A: A good scrub with soap and water works well. For tough messes, a baking soda paste can help. Then rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Q: What is the best material for tongs?
A: Stainless steel is the top choice because it is strong, durable, and rust-resistant.
Q: How long should my tongs be?
A: It depends on what you use them for. Longer tongs (12 inches or more) are great for grilling. Shorter tongs (9-10 inches) are good for everyday cooking in pots and pans.
Q: Do I need tongs with a lock?
A: A locking mechanism is very helpful for storing tongs neatly and preventing them from opening up in a drawer.
Q: Can these tongs handle heavy food?
A: Yes, good quality tongs made from sturdy stainless steel can handle heavy items like roasts or large vegetables.
Q: What is the benefit of silicone-tipped tongs?
A: Silicone tips provide a non-slip grip, which is great for handling delicate or slippery foods. They also protect non-stick cookware.
Q: How can I tell if tongs are good quality?
A: Feel how sturdy they are. They shouldn’t bend easily. Check that the parts are well-connected and the grip feels comfortable and secure.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!